Songtsen Gampo

 

Songtsen Gampo(617-650) was the 33rd btsan-po (leader) of Tibetan Empire, and the first Ruler of Tibetan Empire. During his period, from 629 to 650, he pacified civil strife in Tubo, expended the territory of Tibetan Empire, and made Tibetan Empire a strong country on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Songtsen Gampo established political, military, economical and legal systems, introduced Buddhism from Tang Dynasty and Indian, he also introduced science and technology as well as the calendar from Tang Dynasty. Songtsen Gampo, Bhrikuti and Wencheng Princess have still been worshiping by Tibetans today.

 

Early Life of Songtsen Gampo

In 617, Songtsen Gampo was born in Qiangbamingjiulin Palace. His father was the 32nd btsan-po of Tubo. Songtsen Gampo was his regnal name added by later generations. When he was 3 years old, his father exterminated Shupi Tribe, unified Tibet Plateau, and became the King of each small states of Tubo. In this kind of family, Songtsen Gampo, the only boy, received good family education and strict training. Finally, he became a man of both literary and military capacity.

 

In 629, when Songtsen Gampo was 12 years old, the unified Tibetan Empire got heavy blows. His father, the King of Tibetan Empire was poisoned, then the queen and officials turned renegade. Gongbu, Dabo, Niangbo and other places were occupied by rebels. Meanwhile, the Yangtong Tribe at the west border invaded, and Supi nobles wanted to recover their country at south river bank of the Yarlung Zangbo River. Songtsen Gampo inherited his father's position and became the 33rd btsan-po of Tubo. Relying on emerging powers, he recruited ten thousand of people and formed an elite team. After 3 years' wars, he successfully put down the internal rebellion, stabilized the situation and unified Tibetan Empire again.

 

In 633, Songtsen Gampo leaded his army across the Yarlung Zangbo River, and moved the Capital from Zedang to Luoxie (Lhasa). He got rid of the fetter of Tubo nobles, then the political and military center became one, which was convenient for facilitating the army, developing autocratic monarchy and consolidating the slavery system. In addition, the geographical location and natural conditions were much better in Lhasa than Zedang.

 

After moving the capital to Lhasa, Songtsen Gampo made a series of strategic concept to conquer neighbouring Qiang Tribes. He conquered Supi and Yangtong, eliminated the threat from the west and north border.

 

Songtsen Gampo sent ambassador to Nepal to ask for connection through marriage and he married Bhrikuti after that. And he also connected with Tang Dynasty and married Wencheng Princess.

 

In 641, when Songtsen Gampo was 25 years old, he married Wencheng Princess who was 16 years old. Tubo people warmly welcomed Wencheng Princess.

Death of Songten Gampo

In 650, Songtsen Gampo died. His grand funeral was held the next year.

1. Unified Tibet to be the Tibetan Empire and ended the war between states in Tibet.

2. Moved the capital to Lhasa, promoted the development of Lhasa City.

3. Established political, military, economical and legal systems.

4. Introduced Buddhism from Tang Dynasty and Indian.

5. Introduced science and technology as well as the calendar from Tang Dynasty.

6. Sent officials to learn characters in Indian and created Tibetan characters.